Over that past few years, there has been a major effort to promote the establishment of small savings groups, particularly amongst women, in poor countries like Mali. A significant problem is that the savings capacity of the groups is insufficient to make larger value purchases, such as market gardening equipment and grain grinding mills, which would increase their economic power and provide much needed resources within their communities.

Women have formed savings clubs to increase income through investing in small projects. Investment is low because poverty restricts saving. Projects involving larger equipment purchases, like mills, would provide sufficient income to increase living standards. MDG would provide loans and grants to the women to help fund these projects.